The 2009 Region 7 Fall Conference was  hosted by the Chattanooga Chapter in Chattanooga, TN October 2^nd – 4^th provided a great time and many opportunities for every professional and student member in Region 7.  The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Chattanooga where attendees could visit a variety of attractions and were provided with a many forms of entertainment and wonderful eateries within a couple of blocks. 

The conference kicked off on Friday evening with a meet and greet followed by dinner for the professionals and a Scavenger Hunt for students.  Everyone agreed it was energizing to meet new members and renew acquaintances with those we had not seen since the last Region meeting and the Chattanooga Chapter was a wonderful host for the event.

Saturday morning, Evan Eldridge longtime Region 7 Secretary and a native of Chattanooga kicked off our day by sharing a few stories about growing up in the area.  Student then headed off to begin their activities and professional members started their various workshops and seminars.  Contests and competitions included PC Troubleshooting, Network Design, The Brain Bowl, Student Banners, Tales of the Chattanooga Choo Choo, YouTube/Geek Video and the Logo contest.

Professionals were treated to Security, Wireless, Keys to Performance and a Round Table Leadership seminar. 

Conference committee for the event were Mark Northern, Alex Herweyer, Kristi Montgomery from the Chattanooga Chapter, Lynda Padrta from the Jacksonville Chapter, Nadine Evans, Polk County and Kathy Drew Region 7 VP.

The conference wrapped up with the Awards Banquet where we were treated to our Keynote Speaker, Shirley Sartin speaking to attendees on continuing our IT education which was titled, “Along the Road, from There to Here.” MC for the evening, Kathy Drew, Region 7 VP recognized officers in attendance from the Association, Region and Chapter Level and introduced the Chattanooga Chapter Members. 

COPA, IPA and PCI awards were announced by Nadine Evans in the absence of our Region Awards Chair, PJ Glover.  PCI awards were given to six chapters and four chapters received the COPA award. Polk County was given the ROCA award for 2008 which was accepted by Brian Terrell, Kathy Drew and Nadine Evans. Trophies were presented to the professional and student chapter with the most members present and the chapter that traveled the furthest distance.

The student competitions awards were presented to the students by Alex Herweyer, Chattanooga Chapter Treasurer.  First and Second Place in each competition earned monetary awards ranging from $50 - $150.   See competition winners here.

The Awards Banquet ended with a lively chapter gift basket auction with Mark Northern, Chattanooga President serving as our guest auctioneer. 

Sunday morning the board of directors met at 9am and the following officers were elected for 2010:  President; Kathy Drew, Polk County, Vice President; Lynda Padrta, Jacksonville. Secretary; Evan Eldridge, North-Central Florida, and Treasurer, Steve Brooks, Atlanta Chapter.

The board accepted the offer of hosting the 2010 Fall Conference from the Charleston SC Chapter.  It was with much sadness we said goodbye to the beautiful city of Chattanooga and our new friends, but we are all looking forward to 2010 in the beautiful “holy  city” of Charleston, South Carolina. 

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